Husband Dr. John Paul Mefford [18699]
Born: 30 Jun 1934 - Paris, Bourbon, Kentucky, United States
Christened:
Died: 21 May 2020 - Benton Harbor, Berrien, Michigan, United States
Cremated:
Find A Grave ID: 210390295
Marriage:
Events
• His obituary was published. Dr. John P. Mefford, of Niles, 85, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Hallmark Living in Benton Harbor.
Memorial contributions may be made to Portage Prairie United Methodist Church, 2450 Orange Rd, Niles, MI 49120. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel & Cremation Services.
John was born on June 30, 1934, to Rev. May & Emily Adeline (Plummer) Mefford in Paris, KY. He graduated from Magnolia High School in New Martinsviile, WV. He then continued his education at Anderson University where he earned his Bachelors in Arts and then a Master's in Education. This is where he met the love of his life Jacquelyn Becraft whom he married on July 6, 1957, in Mt. Sterling, KY, at the First Church of God. He also earned his Ed. D. at Indiana University- Bloomington. Through the University, he was sent to South Bend, IN to start the Special Education program at Indiana University- South Bend, where he was the head of the department for over 25 years.
John enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing and riding his motor cycle. He also liked to travel up north to Baldwin with his family where they would ride their snow mobiles. Most of all, he loved to spend his time with his family.
John is survived by his wife Jacquelyn Mefford of 62 years; sons, John Michael (Pamela) Mefford of Elkhart and Gregory Scott Mefford of Niles; grandchildren, Brookelin Mefford and Kristopher-Gregory Mefford; and sister Harolyn Temple and Marilyn LaRocco.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
Wife Jacquelyn Bush Becraft [8852]
Born: 10 Aug 1936 - Mount Sterling, Montgomery, Kentucky, United States
Christened:
Died: 22 Jun 2025 - Niles, Berrien Co, MI
Buried: - Portage Prairie Cemetery, Bertrand Township, Berrien, Michigan, United States
Find A Grave ID: 287673837
Father: Herldon Becraft [6954] (1910-1992)
Mother: Grace Jewell [8642] (1910-1983)
Events
• She was engaged The Anderson Herald on 27 Jan 1957. Miss Jacquelyn Bush Becraft
Miss Jacquelyn Bush Becraft and John Paul Mefford, both Anderson College students, have become engaged according to an announcement made by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Herldon Becraft, Mt. Sterling, Ky.
• Her obituary was published. Jacquelyn B. Mefford, 88, of Niles, Michigan, passed away Sunday June 22, 2025, at her residence in Niles. She was born, August 10, 1936, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky to Herldon & Grace (Jewell) Becraft.
On July 6, 1957, she married John Paul Mefford. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2020. Surviving are 2 children, John Michael (Pamela) Mefford of Elkhart, IN, Gregory Scott Mefford of Niles, MI; 2 grandchildren, Brookelin Mefford and Kristopher Gregory Scott Mefford and 1 great-grandson, Riley Hinds and 1 great granddaughter Zoey Mefford.. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Jacquelyn was formerly employed as a schoolteacher and taught Spanish.
Children